To Shake the Sleeping Self

More about the book

On the eve of turning thirty, Jedidiah Jenkins, feeling trapped in a life he didn't choose, quit his dream job and embarked on a sixteen-month cycling journey from Oregon to Patagonia. He shared his experiences on Instagram, attracting hundreds of thousands of followers curious about what makes life meaningful. In this candid memoir, Jenkins recounts his adventure, exploring the diverse people and landscapes he encountered, alongside his internal quest for identity. He confronts the challenges of adulthood, grappling with his sexual identity against the backdrop of his conservative Christian upbringing, and emphasizes how travel can awaken us to the richness of life at home. This soul-stirring narrative resonates with the wanderer in all of us, offering profound reflections on adventure, identity, and living without regret. The edition includes a new afterword and a reader's group guide. Critics praise Jenkins for his authenticity and presence, noting that his story transcends a simple bike ride, delving into deeper themes of personal truth and the transformative power of movement for both body and soul.